Description
Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering slow cooker dressing that brings classic holiday flavors to your table with minimal effort. Savory herbs, tender bread cubes, and rich seasonings blend seamlessly, promising a side dish that will delight you at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (about 12 cups) day-old bread, cubed (French, sourdough, or cornbread)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2.5–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Seasonings and Fats:
- 0.5 cup (1 stick/113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Transform stale bread into crisp cubes by either air-drying overnight or quickly toasting in the oven at 300F (150C) until perfectly crunchy.
- Heat butter in a skillet, gently sautéing diced onions, celery, and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, unite the toasted bread cubes with the caramelized vegetable medley, introducing poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper for a robust flavor profile.
- Gradually introduce broth to the mixture, stirring carefully to ensure even moisture distribution without creating soggy patches. Incorporate beaten eggs to provide structural integrity and binding.
- Thoroughly grease the interior of the slow cooker, then transfer the seasoned bread mixture, spreading evenly to promote consistent cooking.
- Secure the lid and allow the dressing to simmer on LOW temperature for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, pausing midway to gently redistribute ingredients.
- After cooking, assess the moisture level, adding additional broth if the texture seems dry. Delicately fluff the dressing with a fork to create a light, airy consistency.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, presenting a vibrant and aromatic side dish perfect for complementing main courses.
Notes
- Bread Preparation Pro Tip: Stale or day-old bread works best for achieving perfect texture and absorbing flavors more effectively.
- Moisture Management: Always add broth gradually to control stuffing consistency, preventing it from becoming too soggy or dry.
- Flavor Enhancement: Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or fresh chopped sage to elevate the traditional taste profile.
- Dietary Adaptations: Replace regular bread with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version, and use vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg